Once again I have the sublime pleasure to introduce you to another one of my new WildRose Press sistahs, D.K. Deters. D.K. has a brand new book – her debut! – out on 11/12/18 just in time for the holiday season, titled CHRISTMAS ONCE AGAIN and she graciously agreed to sit down with me and tell a little about herself, her writing, and her new book. Sit back and learn about this new sistah of mine!

Here’s D.K.

Hi Peggy. Thanks for having me on your blog. I’ve been looking forward to it! (Peggy here: as have I!!)

What drives you to write?

It started as an escape from my squabbling children and a tired husband—just kidding. I love writing, and it gives me tremendous pleasure when a stranger tells me they are a fan.

What genre(s) of Romance do you write, and why?

Christmas Once Again, a time travel fantasy, was a little out of my comfort zone, but the story fell into place. I’m more at home writing about western romance and hunky cowboys. My family always watched westerns on TV, and it seems natural to write about the Old West. But if I thought of another time travel plot, I’d go for it.

What genre(s) of Romance do you read, and why?

I’m open to most genres. However, a long time ago my daughter made me take her to the movie theater to watch Lord of the Rings because she had just read the series. Total respect for Tolkien, but it’s safe to say that after the umpteenth orc ran across the screen, this storyline wasn’t for me. (For Tolkien fans…I know…I know. My daughter has pointed out the error of my ways!)

What’s your writing schedule? Do you write every day?

I try to write every day. Wake up. Coffee. Write. Repeat last two steps about a bazillion times.

Give us a glimpse of the surroundings where you write. Separate room? In the kitchen?

For many years, I wrote in the car. I was in a carpool, and it was a long commute. When my son moved out, his bedroom became my office. It also has a gigantic closet, which I jokingly refer to as the office annex.

Are you the kind of writer who needs total quiet to compose, or are you able to filter out the typical sounds and your tunnel-vision?

Although I can work with most noises, I’m at my best when it’s quiet. The TV is the biggest offender.

Do you listen to music while you write, and if so, what kind? If not, why not?

Sometimes, I’ll start my day with a little music. Blake Shelton’s song Home is one of my favorites.

How did you come up with the plotline/idea for your current WIP?

I was watching a news broadcast about a snow skiing accident. Ordinary people had pitched together to save a stranger’s life. It got me to thinking about how one selfless act could be life-changing. The rest…well…you’ll have to read the story.

Which comes first for you – character or plot? And why?

That’s a tough question, but I usually decide on the plot first and build the story from there. In the back of my mind, I’m always thinking about the MC’s characteristics.

What three words describe you, the writer? Perfectionist. Plotter. Worrier. And not necessarily in that order.

11. If you could relive one day, what would it be? Why?

I’d pick my daughter’s wedding day, which holds many of my fondest memories. Their romance had spanned from high school through college. Over two hundred friends and relatives came to celebrate the day with them. And when the couple exchanged their wedding vows, I knew they were perfect for each other.

I love the Actor’s Studio show on Bravo, so this is my version of it:

Favorite sound –my grandchildren laughing

Least favorite sound – dentist drill

Best song ever written – Always and Forever

Worst song ever written –Too many to pick just one

Favorite actor and actress – Kris Pine and Gal Gadot

What turns you on? Great stories

What turns you off? Physics

Give me the worst 5 words ever heard on a first date: Can we take your car?

What is your version of a perfect day? The perfect day is knowing my family is safe and well.

Thanks again for inviting me. I’ve had a great time visiting with everyone!

CHRISTMAS ONCE AGAIN, by D.K. Deters

Blurb:

She’s dead broke. And eviction looms. On Christmas Eve antique consultant Madison Knight takes a phone call from local rancher Zach Murdock. Through a mix-up at an estate sale, Madison’s company purchased his grandmother’s beloved painting. He offers double the money for its return.

Madison risks her job to track down the artwork, but success falls short when she’s stuck in a blizzard. Stranded, she seeks help from a frontier family. Are they living off the grid, or did she somehow travel through time?

Zach’s the only person who knows her plan. He also knows a secret about his gran’s painting. It’s up to him to rescue Madison, but maybe he’s not cut out to be a hero.

Excerpt:

“My grandmother had an estate sale last week, and she didn’t want it sold, unfortu—”

“Oh?” She should’ve kept quiet. Run-ins with greedy family members happened in the antique business, and a judging attitude didn’t increase revenues.

“It wasn’t on purpose,” he said. “The day was chaotic, and someone had shuffled around the artwork. We didn’t realize it was missing until a couple of days ago, and it took this long to sort out the mix-up and discover your shop bought it.”

She felt guilty for jumping to the wrong conclusion. “I see how that could happen. It’s obvious the piece is treasured by your grandmother. If it becomes necessary, we have the resources to find a similar style. Is there a specific artist or significance?”

Held hostage by the slow computer response and trying not to rush him, she picked up one of the hand weights, intending to fit in a few curls.

“Keep in mind Gran’s ninety-two, and she thinks…”

“Uh-huh.” With her free hand, she grabbed the latte and took a sip.

“Gran thinks it holds a special power.”

Madison chose that moment to swallow, and the creamy espresso went down the wrong pipe. A dry, hacking cough followed, and she dropped her hand weight, which thudded on the carpet. For heaven’s sake, he didn’t hear her, did he?

D. K. Deters credits her parents, who grew up in southeastern Kansas, for inspiration to write about the Old West. From an early age, the likes of Jesse James and the Dalton Gang were often included in family lore. To this day, she’s not sure how much is true.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business, D. K. followed a profession in the telecommunications industry before turning to a writing career. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her adult children and their families.